NO5- THE FLATS.

As I am sure you know, a shoe can make or break your look. A heel is of course fantastic, but in the long run your favourite flats will be your best friends. When it comes to buying shoes that are supposed to last always go for real leather. Not only do they get better with age, they also grow more comfortable with every wear. Pleather will simply fall apart and rub your feet. Go for a basic colour; have a look at your clothes and accessories, do you wear more brown or black? In order for your 13 staples to work together you must always have a working colour palette.

The masculine loafers- You do not have to be a tomboy to pull off a masculine shoe, on the contrary. These loafers will do best when used to juxtapose the rest of your outfit, for example teamed up with your favourite dress or silk top. The beauty of this particular shoe is that you could wear it with your bare basics and still look chic.
These shiny leather loafers are from & Other Stories x Lykke Li, £125.

The ballerina pumps- The all-time classic that works both day and night. We all know the pain in heels and back that comes from cheap ballerinas, but it is important to not let that scare you off from wearing this style. If you opt for a more expensive and quality conscious style with a slight heel this style is the comfiest one out there. Prints, embroidery or embellishment will help add some personality to this classic. Works almost all year around if you're not scared of icy feet, but when the snow starts falling it might be time to put them away till spring.
These embroidered ballerinas are from Alexander McQueen, £395.

The androgynous shoe- A shoe that will definitely stand out from the crowd and add character to your look. Looks amazing with a layered look in winter, or a tomboy look in summer. The clumsy look gives the illusion of slimmer legs, but can also shorten their appearance. It is however a quirky piece of footwear that will add punk to any outfit.
This cherry red shoe is from Dr. Martens, £95.

The girly flats- If you want something different and quirky that is very much in touch with your feminine side, the girly flats are what you need. Also referred to as slippers, they come in all shapes and sizes. But you need to decide what look you want to go for; florals, quirky embroidery, embellishments or prints? As long as they are girly!
These super cute kitty flats are from Charlotte Olympia, £495.

xxMJL

Images: http://www.stories.com/gb/Co-Labs/Lykke_Li_Other_Stories/Lykke_Li_Loafers/101517120-7977806.1, http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/454042/Alexander_McQueen/embroidered-leather-ballet-flats, http://www.drmartens.com/uk/Mens-Shoes/Dr-Martens-1461-Shoe/p/11838600, http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/468954/Charlotte_Olympia/cheeky-kitty-embroidered-velvet-slippers

NO4- THE MAXI DRESS.

It is a myth that you need to be 5'8" to be able and pull off a maxi dress. In fact, it is flattering on any woman of any age and any size. All you need to do is find the right one! The good thing about a maxi is that with a cool jacket and good boots it is easily transformed into a dress perfect for the colder months as well. With that being said, beware of prints! If the print is too intense and spread all over the fabric it can make you look bigger than you are. Therefore embroidery or plain maxi's are preferable. Try and stay away from the very summery ones as well if you do intend to wear it all year 'round.

 



The loose fit maxi- The most comfortable maxi without a doubt, though it is very important that you try and balance out the looseness of the dress with for example a fitted jacket and minimalistic jewellery. Let the dress be the main focus and keep the accessories simple and muted. Works great with both heels and flats.
This subtle print dress is from House of Harlow 1960, £50.45.

The waist-high slit maxi- This in-between top and dress is the perfect alternative if you are not completely comfortable in a maxi. Team it up with denim shorts for daytime and black hot pants for night time. This maxi will keep your legs in focus despite being full-length, and works with any shoe. In winter simply change the shorts for leggings, and layer it up. A very versatile garment that suits any body type.
This casual maxi is from MISSGUIDED, £12.99.

The long-sleeved maxi- Long sleeves are not necessarily only for the winter months. If you opt for a dress with sheer sleeves it will work just as well in summer. This is where the choice of fabric could make all the difference, so do make sure it is light enough for a warm day. Where jersey is always a comfortable and versatile choice, it can easily make a long-sleeve style look a bit too casual. Silk or polyester will be light and flowy, and make sure that you can take the dress from daytime to night time with a quick change of shoes.
This folklore inspired style is from Needle & Thread, £200.

The sheer layering maxi- An edgy option that requires a lot of confidence. Wear with high-waisted hot pants and a bandeau bra for a beach look, or layer it up with a little slip and chunky knitwear to go boho chic. Lots of jewellery and accessories will take your outfit to the next level, but be careful to not look too naked.
This bead embellished maxi is from Free People, £168.

xxMJL

Images: http://www.houseofharlow1960.com/capella-dress/72324-501697, http://www.missguided.co.uk/catalog/product/view/id/133958/s/krista-t-shirt-style-side-split-maxi-dress-grey/category/480/, http://www.asos.com/needle-thread/needle-thread-floral-scatter-maxi-dress/prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=4359119&SearchQuery=maxi+dress&pgesize=36&pge=2&totalstyles=1237&gridsize=3&gridrow=12&gridcolumn=3, http://www.asos.com/free-people/free-people-maxi-dress-with-embellishment/prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=4629031&SearchQuery=maxi+dress&pgesize=36&pge=2&totalstyles=1237&gridsize=3&gridrow=2&gridcolumn=1,

NO3- THE T-SHIRT.

You can hardly get more basic than a t-shirt. However if you do it right it is a fantastic staple. Choose an exciting material or texture rather than a print and you have a great layering piece that will never go out of style. The white t-shirt is of course timeless, but choose a colour that you love and that will work with the rest of your wardrobe. That way you will get the most wear out of it without ever feeling basic.

The silk tee- This basic style tee becomes a luxurious layering piece because of the material. A silk blend will feel softer on your skin, drape beautifully and have a slight shimmer to it. Go for a sheer style if you are planning on wearing it with layers. Great for summer over a bandeau bra, and for winter to add texture to your knitwear looks. This silk blend is particularly good if you prefer a looser, more draped fit.
This sheer silk tee is from AllSaints, £40.

The cropped tee- It is undeniably a garment that requires a whole lot of self-esteem, but if you have what it takes it is a fantastic go-to style. Choose a crop that you are comfortable with and that looks flattering on your body. Teamed up with a pair of high rise jeans or trousers it will give you a classic yet slightly edgier look that works both day and night. It is up to you what kind of fit you are comfortable with, but try and avoid the too contemporary looking styles. Keep in mind that the style you choose will need to work for along time without becoming unfashionable.
This oversized, cropped tee is from Monki, £20.

The lace tee- If you are looking for something a bit different a lace t-shirt might be just the thing. It is simple, never goes out of fashion and will add texture to any look. However real lace can be quite fragile and require extra care, so if you are wanting a garment that you can just stick in the washer a lace print might be the perfect solution. Try and go for quite a fitted style, a loose fitting lace top can easily get an older look.
This fitted lace tee is from Warehouse, £38.

The embellished tee- Blingy staples are a bit harder to find, but they are out there. Great if you don't want to go too plain, and it looks great both day time and night time all year round. Wear with your favourite denim during the day, and change into a mini skirt for a casual yet sexy night time look. Go for a material that will work 24h a day; cotton or jersey will work as a blank canvas and make your garment versatile, whilst shinier materials can make your garment less appropriate for daytime wear.
This embellished jersey tee is from Linea Weekend, £34.30.

The cotton tee- If you do prefer to layer up and stick to basics a simple cotton tee will do the trick. The choice of colour and fit will make or break this simple staple, so do make sure that you try it on before you buy it. Make sure it is made out of a good cotton blend and that it feels good on your skin, and make sure it is slightly stretchy. If you do find The One, it will be your favourite piece no doubt.
This simple modal tee is from Helmut Lang, £85.

xxMJL

Images: http://www.allsaints.com/women/t-shirts/allsaints-malin-silk-tee/?colour=107&category=824, http://www.monki.com/Tops/Ewa_top/13214-6763631.1#c-49930, http://www.johnlewis.com/warehouse-lace-t-shirt-black/p1781167, http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Linea+Weekend+Embelllished+shoulder+marl+jersey+tee/200135572,default,pd.html, http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/507961/Helmut_Lang/micro-modal-blend-jersey-t-shirt

NO2- THE JEANS.

A garment meant for the working class that broke through as the street wear trend was born in the early 80's. Nowadays designer jeans will cost you, and it is undeniably one of the most popular choices for everyday wear.

It is easy to get overwhelmed when choosing between the endless variations of style and fit, but rather than being trendy you should choose a style that you are comfortable with. Whether you prefer a retro flare or a simple skinny, there is a pair for everyone. 

Something to think about when you purchase your signature pair it the percentage or elastane, you can find this on the care label. The more they stretch, the more comfortable they are. However it is also arguable that it makes them wear quicker, and there is a risk of them stretching too much and getting saggy. For a curvier figure a bit of stretch can help you get that fitted shape, something that a straighter figure might not need. Something that also needs to be considered it the colour, a classic blue or a simple black? Maybe a trendy grey or dark navy? Consider your wardrobe to find which colour you will get the most use out of. 

 

The retro flare- A pair of flared jeans will really stand out in the crowd, and can help taking your boho-chic look to the next level. Just how wide you want to go is obviously up to you, but always make sure that they are long enough. A pair of flared jeans should preferably be level with the ground when you are wearing shoes, or if you prefer, even drag on the ground a little bit. Therefore, when you do go shopping for your flared jeans, bring your highest pair of shoes that you intend to wear with them. That way they will never be too short.
These jeans are from Swedish retro brand Gul&Blå, £33.

 

 

The simple skinny- Arguably the most popular fit, and the style where stretch is the most important. The more stretch = the more comfortable, and that is a quality that makes this fit a favourite of mine. Great for when you are wearing oversized or layered garments, to balance out the look. The cropped version is always a great alternative for those almost-summer-days when it's too cold for shorts. But the best thing about this fit is that they come in basically every kind of waist, and look just as good in a low rise as they do in a high waist.
These slightly cropped skinnies are from Cheap Monday, £49.

The boyfriend fit- This is perhaps the newest fit on the market, as well as the hardest one to pull off. The idea is that you are meant to look like you woke up in the morning, realised you had nothing to wear, then put your boyfriends jeans on and still look chic. Easy? Definitely not. This is not a fit recommended for a curvier figure since it is not very flattering. However on a straighter figure and with a nice shoe it can definitely look great. Make sure to pick a top that is form fitting and feminine to contrast this androgynous style.
These aged look jeans are from G-star RAW, £190.

 

The straight fit- A more traditional fit that does not require too much stretch which means that a pair of these could probably last you a lifetime. A style that never goes out of fashion, and is very flattering for any body type. A great everyday pair that will work with most tops for most occasions- in other words a great style to invest in.
This ashy pair is from Levi's, £85.

The bootcut- Very similar to the straight fit, but slightly wider below the knee. This style was the height of fashion before the skinnies took over, but are still a favourite for many. Great if you prefer wearing your jeans on the outside of your boots, but don't want to go too wide. Because of the slight flare below the knee they create an illusion of slimmer thighs, making them a very flattering style. The length is very important since they are slightly wider, and they should be skimming the floor when you are barefoot.
This timeless pair is from Wrangler, £70.

xxMJL

Images: http://media.jc.se/catalog/product/cache/3/image/1038x1414/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/1/0/1009846-1091__0.jpg, http://www.cheapmonday.com/shop-women/jeans/second-skin/second-skin-cropped-very-stretch-black/4930817-4946198.1#4946200, https://www.g-star.com/en_gb/product/women/jeans/20.0.60842.5948.3142, http://www.levi.com/GB/en_GB/womens-jeans/p/047000143, http://www.wrangler.co.uk/product/catrin/W25XJJ45T

NO1- THE SHIRT.

If there is anything that always works and can take a basic outfit to that next level, it's the shirt. Whether you prefer the traditional crisp white, or the grungy chequered version; the shirt is definitely one of the most versatile and useful pieces in your wardrobe.
When finding the perfect shirt it is very important that you know exactly what kind of style you see yourself in? Do you need to look professional every day, or will something a bit less formal suit your life style better? And do you have the time and funds to dry clean your garment every month? These are all factors you need to take into consideration.
The four styles below all have their pro's and con's, but the one you choose will without a doubt become a staple in your wardrobe. Which shirt are you?

The classic- If you like a more classic or `clean cut` look, or if you just prefer dressing in layers; the classic is an easy-to-wear option that will suit a wide range of body types and personalities. Make sure you go for a soft and comfortable cotton, and for curvier body types a slight stretch can make a massive difference in comfort. For a longer life cycle, try and dry clean your shirt. In between washes you can simply hang it up outside to freshen it up.

This shirt is from Mint Velvet, £59.

The grungy shirt- For a more relaxed and grungy look, a chequered shirt will provide a feel of effortless cool. This is a staple with attitude and will work as well with jeans and flats as it will with a skirt and heels. Before you choose between flannel and a wool-blend, consider your lifestyle. Are you going to make that extra effort that a wool-blend shirt needs, or will you want to be able and just chuck it in the washer? The choice is yours.

This shirt is a wool-blend from Mango, £34.99.



 The silk shirt- The classic in a more luxurious material. Again very versatile despite it's obvious impact on your choice of bra. It is a great option if you are going out for dinner and are dying to wear your new jeans, or just feel like you need to cheer up your knitwear look. When choosing your shirt, make sure that you look at the care label. If you do decide to go for a pure silk shirt you need to keep in mind that these need dry cleaned, and any greasy spillage or pulls might mean the end for it. However it does have a lovely light feel on your skin, and will have that luxurious shimmer. There are cheaper options like polyester, that are even cheaper to dry clean. However, it might wear faster.
This shirt is silk and from Gerard Darel, £160.



 The sheer shirt- Without a doubt the sexiest option, and might not be as suited for a work interview as it is for clubbing. But if you layer it up right, you can easily take this piece from night time to daytime. Chunky knitwear, denim, leather and chunky footwear will help dress it down and make it an interesting feature in your every day outfit. When purchasing sheer fabrics, always make sure that you read the care label so you know how to wash it.
This shirt is from Hobbs, £99.

xxMJL

Images: http://johnlewis.scene7.com/is/image/JohnLewis/001637464?$prod_exlrg$, http://johnlewis.scene7.com/is/image/JohnLewis/001735818?$prod_exlrg$, http://johnlewis.scene7.com/is/image/JohnLewis/001741327?$prod_exlrg$, http://johnlewis.scene7.com/is/image/JohnLewis/001747734?$prod_exlrg$